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Preview: Wrexham vs. Wealdstone - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 9 February 2023, 20:13
Wrexham will attempt to close the gap at the top of the National League table when they host Wealdstone at the Racecourse Ground.

The hosts come into this clash off the back of a disappointing defeat in their FA Cup fourth-round replay with Sheffield United, while the visitors are looking for their first win away from home since November.

Match preview

Wrexham's FA Cup fairytale came to end on Tuesday night, as Sheffield United ended the Robins run in a pulsating fourth-round replay, courtesy of injury-time goals from Billy Sharp and Sander Berge.

Anel Ahmedhodzic put the Blades ahead early in the second half before Paul Mullin's penalty brought Wrexham level. Mullin then had a second spot-kick saved by Adam Davies before Sharp and Berge both scored deep in stoppage time to set up a fifth-round clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Nevertheless, Phil Parkinson and his side can now turn their attention to National League matters, where they currently sit in second place on 68 points, three points behind league leaders Notts County, although they have two games in hand.

Last time out in the league, Eoghan O'Connell made it a debut to remember for the Robins as his goal five minutes from time secured all three points on the road against a resilient Altrincham side.

Wrexham have been out of the Football League since 2008; they finished second in the National League last season but lost to Grimsby Town in the semi-finals of the playoffs.

As such, Parkinson will be hoping for a response to his side's defeat in the FA Cup on Saturday, and home form has been vital for the Dragons, winning every single one of their 12 matches at the Racecourse Ground.

As for the visitors, they have been in decent form this season under Stuart Maynard and will look to propel themselves into the playoff positions with a win over Wrexham.

Wealdstone currently sit in 10th on 41 points, but they have not won away from home in the league since they beat York City on November 19.

The Stones come into this game fresh off the back of a 1-0 victory over Dagenham and Redbridge last time out, courtesy of Ashley Charles's strike.

All focus will now turn to the challenge of Wrexham, which could present the possibility for Wealdstone to move as high as sixth in the league, depending on results elsewhere.

Wrexham National League form:

W

W

W

W

W

W

Wrexham form (all competitions):

W

W

W

D

W

L

Wealdstone National League form:

W

D

W

L

D

W

Team News

Wrexham's starting XI in their FA Cup fourth-round replay against Sheffield United showed seven changes from the team which had won 2-1 at Altrincham in their previous National League game, so further rotation of the side is expected this weekend.

The likes of Ollie Palmer, Thomas O'Connor and Elliot Lee could all return to the fold here, although Aaron Hayden is unavailable due to the injury that he picked up in the early stages of their first game with Sheffield United.

As for the visitors, Olufela Olomola, Max Kretzschmar and Ashley Charles returned to the starting XI against Dagenham and Redbridge last time out, so they could retain their places this weekend.

Tarrelle Whittaker will be hoping to get his first start for the club after coming off the bench against the Daggers last Saturday.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Howard; Forde, Jones, Tozer, Tunnicliffe, McFadzean; Young, Jones, Lee; Mullin, Palmer

Wealdstone possible starting lineup:

Howes; Barker, Cook, Freckleton, Habergham; Dyer, Ferguson, Kretzschmar, Allarakhia; Olomola, Andrews

We say: Wrexham 2-0 Wealdstone

It is very difficult to look past Wrexham for this clash, especially since they have not dropped a point at home so far this season.

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